Maddie and Mike’s wedding unfolded inside two of Philadelphia’s most storied spaces—the stately ballroom of The Union League and the soaring grandeur of the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. These settings alone carry immense weight, but what made their celebration remarkable was how intentionally they played against that formality. The result was a wedding that felt monumental yet self-aware, reverent yet flirtatious—classic architecture paired with moments of wit, glamour, and personality.

At the heart of the design was their story was their proposal. Mike proposed to Maddie in a hot air balloon, a moment suspended above the world that became the conceptual thread woven throughout the day. That feeling of elevation—of romance mixed with adventure—showed up again and again. The hot air balloon motif appeared subtly across the paper goods, signage, and reception details, grounding the wedding in meaning while never taking itself too seriously.

This balance defined the entire celebration: historic rooms softened by bold color, timeless silhouettes paired with playful choices, and a couple who knew how to be bold, playful, and glamorous—without losing what truly mattered.

I was so excited to witness their gorgeous winter wedding after photographing them last summer during their Old City, Philadelphia Engagement Session.

Getting Ready at The Union League

Maddie began her morning at The Union League doing exactly what she does best—owning the moment. She fully embraced her role as bride, leaning into the experience with confidence, humor, and unmistakable presence. Wrapped in a dramatic feathered robe, she reveled in the anticipation, her energy filling the room as naturally as the winter light pouring through the windows.

Her gown was striking: a lace bodice that felt romantic and sculptural, paired with a classic updo that evoked timeless elegance—polished, refined, and effortlessly iconic. Before the ceremony, we photographed Maddie and Mike separately throughout the Union League, carefully choreographing their movements so they wouldn’t cross paths too soon, allowing the anticipation to build naturally.

Mike prepared nearby in classic black tie, his look grounded and elegant, accented with rich red tones that mirrored the day’s palette. Even in these early hours, everything felt aligned—design, pacing, and emotion moving forward together.

Ceremony at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul

Maddie and Mike were married at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, one of Philadelphia’s most awe-inspiring and architecturally significant churches—a setting that perfectly matched the epic scale and emotional weight of the day. With its soaring ceilings, marble columns, intricate detailing, and long, dramatic aisle, the Basilica offered a sense of grandeur that felt both timeless and deeply meaningful.

Without a first look, the ceremony began with anticipation building as guests turned toward the back of the church. Maddie’s walk down the aisle was a true moment—unfolding slowly beneath the vast dome, her lace gown and cathedral-length veil moving gracefully through the space. Mike waited at the altar, framed by centuries-old architecture, taking in the moment as it arrived in full. Their vows felt grounded and sincere—quietly powerful against the enormity of the setting—proof that even in the grandest spaces, the most meaningful moments remain deeply personal.

Portraits in the Heart of Philadelphia

Portraits with Maddie and Mike were never meant to be subtle—and that was entirely intentional. Maddie carries a naturally glamorous presence, and we leaned into it, creating images that felt iconic, confident, and richly cinematic. On Broad Street, with the city rising around them, the environment became an integral part of the composition.

With Maddie and Mike, I loved how the deep red florals played against the Union League’s brownstone and the marble of City Hall. I chose locations and angles that allowed that contrast to come forward naturally, letting the color palette interact with the wedding’s location in a way that felt bold, grounded, and true to the day’s narrative. 

When I photograph portraits, I’m always making small, intentional decisions in real time—choosing backdrops, shaping movement, and guiding my couples in ways that reflect who they are and what the day already holds. My goal is always the same: to create images that feel authentic to the couple and visually connected to the setting around them.

Cocktail Hour & Reception Design

As guests entered the cocktail hour, Maddie and Mike’s wedding branding came fully to life. The hot air balloon motif—first introduced in their invitation suite—reappeared throughout the evening, from the welcome signage to cocktail napkins and a striking ice sculpture. This repeated visual element added cohesion and a sense of storytelling that carried from start to finish. Against the Union League’s white marble interiors and wood paneled rooms, the deep red florals felt rich, layered, and dynamic.

Inside the ballroom, the reception design unfolded with warmth and scale. Tables were styled with glowing candlelight, tall glass candelabras, and lush arrangements in varying shades of red and blush. The sweetheart table was framed with cascading florals, and soft light anchored the room, lined up below the massive crystal chandelier. The cake echoed the same balance of tradition and wit: classic tiers adorned with black ribbon details, cherries, and an old-world porcelain topper depicting the couple. Formal and sentimental at first glance, it carried a quiet sense of humor—an editorial nod that fit seamlessly into the larger aesthetic.

An Evening of Drama, Heart, and Play

The evening unfolded with moments that felt both cinematic and deeply personal. Maddie and Mike shared their first dance to Purple Rain—slow, expressive, and magnetic—drawing the entire room into a shared pause before the night truly opened up. It set the tone for a reception that balanced drama with heartfelt connection.

The emotional center of the evening came during the toasts. Maddie’s father spoke about her as his “rainbow,” a constant source of color and joy in his life. He fully embraced the moment—crown and all—declaring, “If Maddie is a princess today, that makes me a king.” The sentiment carried seamlessly into their father-daughter dance to She’s a Rainbow by The Rolling Stones, a moment that felt tender, joyful, and unmistakably true to who they are

As the night continued, Maddie changed into a sleek, sparkling reception gown, complete with long white gloves and a fur stole—an unmistakable Marilyn Monroe–inspired fashion moment. Mike reemerged in a white dinner jacket, the two of them perfectly in step. We slipped away briefly to the rooftop terrace for night portraits, the city lights stretching out behind them as they took a moment to really take in the day together.

When they returned, the room erupted. Guests cheered, the energy surged, and the dance floor filled quickly—fueled by laughter, movement, and oversized cutouts of Maddi and Mike’s faces that kept the celebration playful and unforgettable well into the night.

Set within the historic walls of The Union League, Maddie and Mike’s wedding unfolded with a beautiful sense of alignment—where setting, style, and emotion moved together naturally. The day carried a classic foundation, layered with expressive details, glamour, and moments of levity that reflected their personalities and the way they experience life together. Every part of the celebration felt cohesive and intentional, creating a rhythm that balanced reverence and joy. Photographing their day at The Union League was an honor. Maddie and Mike brought clarity, confidence, and heart to every moment, shaping a celebration that felt rich with meaning and full of life. It was a wedding grounded in story and carried by connection—one that will stay with me for a long time.

Vendors

Venue: The Union League of Philadelphia

Ceremony Venue: The Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul

Florals: Fabu Florals

Paper Goods: Wouldn’t It Be Lovely

Hair + Makeup: Isla Studio Beauty Bar

Dress Boutique: The Wedding Factor

Band: Elevation by BVT Live

Videographer: Wren Films